Firat names Harambee Stars provisional squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his provisional squad for the crucial upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon, scheduled between October 7-15, 2024.

Coach Firat has named a 28-man squad comprising local and foreign-based players who will pitch camp ahead of the potential group winner double header Cameroon.

The domestic legion is led by Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo.

Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Boniface Muchiri also make the cut, while Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo has received his first senior national team call-up.

Also returning to the national setup after a prolonged absence is AFC Leopards veteran Sydney Lokale.

Captain Michael Olunga, who continues his prolific form with Al-Duhail in Qatar, headlines the foreign-based players. Other names include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.

The team is set to begin their residential camp on Friday, October 4, 2024.

The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors.

These fixtures will be pivotal for Kenya’s campaign to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament in Morocco.

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)

Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe  (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)

David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)

John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)